Wellbeing for the frontline: Supporting essential workers who can’t work from home

The COVID pandemic brought to light the crucial role of essential workers, those individuals whose jobs require their physical presence and cannot be performed remotely. These frontline workers, spanning health care, transportation, sanitation, and food services, ensure the continued functioning of society, especially during crises.

Yet, their indispensability often comes with significant challenges and sacrifices. Supporting essential workers who cannot work from home necessitates a multi-pronged approach that acknowledges their contributions and addresses their unique needs.

The wellbeing of essential workers has been a growing concern, especially since the COVID pandemic highlighted their vulnerability and the crucial roles they play in society. A study by the American Psychological Association found that essential workers were more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder during the pandemic and experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. They also reported increased alcohol consumption and unwanted weight changes as coping mechanisms.

Another study published in the BMJ journal explored the mental health and wellbeing of essential workers in New Zealand during the COVID-19 lockdown. It found significant levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout among these workers.

How to support essential workers who can’t work from home

Prioritising the health and safety of essential workers is not merely an ethical obligation but a societal imperative. These individuals, who often face elevated risks in their line of work, deserve comprehensive protection and support. This begins with providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Whether it's masks, gloves, gowns, or respirators, ensuring access to appropriate PPE is crucial in mitigating exposure to workplace hazards. Employers must be held accountable for procuring and distributing high-quality PPE, and workers must be trained in its proper usage and disposal.

Also Read: Workplace resilience amid crisis

Enforcing strict workplace safety protocols is essential in minimising risks. This includes implementing physical distancing measures wherever possible, enhancing ventilation systems, and regularly disinfecting workspaces.

Clear guidelines on hygiene practices, reporting potential exposures, and managing confirmed cases must be established and communicated effectively. Regular testing for infectious diseases should be readily available and encouraged, allowing for early detection and preventing outbreaks. Similarly, ensuring access to vaccinations for preventable illnesses is vital in safeguarding their health and the well-being of those they serve.

Beyond physical health, addressing the financial well-being of essential workers is crucial. Fair compensation that reflects the value of their labour, including living wages that allow for a decent standard of living, is non-negotiable.

Paid sick leave policies are essential in ensuring that workers can prioritise their health without facing financial hardship. Access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, is equally important.

Recognising the mental and emotional toll that demanding and often traumatic work environments can take, providing readily available counselling and support services is paramount. By addressing the holistic well-being of essential workers, we not only acknowledge their sacrifices but also invest in a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Supporting essential workers beyond tangible benefits

While ensuring the fundamental needs of essential workers, such as health and safety provisions and fair compensation, is critical, it is equally important to recognise that true support extends beyond tangible benefits.

Societal recognition and respect play a vital role in acknowledging their contributions and fostering a sense of value and appreciation. Public expressions of gratitude, whether through campaigns, media coverage, or simply everyday interactions, can go a long way in boosting morale and demonstrating that their sacrifices are not taken for granted.

Also Read: Employee engagement – how to get it right for frontline workers

Moreover, prioritising the needs of essential workers in policy decisions is crucial. This includes advocating for policies that protect their rights, enhance their working conditions, and provide access to affordable housing, childcare, and education. By incorporating their perspectives and concerns into the policymaking process, we demonstrate a commitment to their well-being and ensure that their voices are heard.

Fostering a culture that values their labour is essential. This involves challenging societal narratives that undervalue or dismiss the work of essential workers, often characterised by low wages and limited social mobility. Promoting public discourse that highlights the importance of their roles in maintaining societal functions and advocating for fair treatment and recognition across all sectors is crucial.

We must also actively invest in the future of essential work. As automation and technology continue to evolve, we must ensure that essential workers are equipped with the skills and training necessary to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of work. This may involve providing access to education and upskilling programmes, creating pathways for career advancement within essential sectors, and ensuring fair labour practices in emerging fields.